Former UCF star Jermaine Taylor has NBA in sight

College basketball

May 18, 2009|By Iliana LimM-sn, Sentinel Staff Writer

A lot of agents vying to represent former UCF star Jermaine Taylor told him not to attend the Portsmouth Invitational last month. The would-be agents thought Taylor would be much better off letting his dynamic senior season speak for itself.

Taylor ultimately hired Michael Whitaker, who has represented a handful of under-the-radar players and helped them make a big impact in the NBA and Europe. The prolific scorer took Whitaker's advice and played at Portsmouth, a pivotal decision that has Taylor on track to be a first-round draft pick.

"I told him that I understood what all the other agents had said, but I believed in his talent and his ability to help himself at Portsmouth," Whitaker said. "What a lot of people didn't understand was that the whole format for the NBA draft evaluation has changed. Portsmouth was the last chance to really play 5-on-5 and prove yourself. The Chicago camp is just a combine and NBA teams are trying to save money, so they're not going to take a risk on someone who couldn't be bothered to show up at Portsmouth. You have to make the most of every single opportunity."

Based on Taylor's strong play at Portsmouth and affable personality, he joins Memphis freshman Tyreke Evans as the only two Conference USA players invited to the NBA Combine later this month in Chicago. Taylor has picked a lot of draft momentum and is shooting up mock draft boards.

Taylor said he felt right about selecting Whitaker as his agent and never questioned his advice.

The guard is dividing his time between working out with a trainer in Indianapolis, visiting NBA teams for group workouts and relaxing with family in Orlando. He has tried to squeeze in a few Magic playoff games.

"I get so excited watching the games on TV," he said. "I feel so close now. That could be me next year. I can't wait for the chance to play alongside those guys. I'm living my dream."